I moved to Shoestring Farm in 2004. In 2005, I began managing the bee hive on the property. One hive was maintained on the farm to help with crop pollination. Rich says that one year, early on when he was farming, the hive did not survive the winter and he did not replace it. He noticed quite a drop in vegetable production that year that he attributes to the lack of bees.
In 2006, I took Introduction to Beekeeping with Dan Conlon at Warm Colors Apiary and added a second hive to the apiary, so I could compare what was happening between the two hives. Taking the class really increased my understanding and appreciation of what was happening inside the hive and within the colony and I have been spending lots of time watching and learning about the bees that live on the farm ever since. There are currently three hives on the property, but I expect to have five by July due to spliting.
This year, I began offering beekeeping services to a limited number of customers. I manage hives for garden pollination and/or for honey production. If folks are interested in learning about what is happening in the hive, I can help. Some folks want to get up close and observe the bees and the hive. Some prefer an update over a cup of tea at the kitchen table.
I will have honey available again in September 2009. I am accepting honey orders now and expect to sell out again this year.
For more information, email me at therese (at) shoestringfarm.net or call 413-624-3358. |
Beekeeping Services & Honey |